Principal - Sacred Heart Girls' College, Hughesdale

At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools employ over 17000 staff and serve more than 118000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It is an exciting time to join MACS where we are transforming to bring to life our recently launched strategic plan: MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World.

It is an exciting time to join MACS where we are transforming to bring to life our strategic plan - MACS 2030: Forming Lives to Enrich the World that will help all MACS staff come together to make the most of what a Catholic education has to offer so that we have the greatest and most distinctive impact in our classrooms staffrooms and schools communities. More details on the MACS strategy can be found here.

The MACS Code of Conduct (the Code) embodies our collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment that prioritises the health safety and wellbeing of everyone inspired by our Catholic faith. We ask that all staff read and understand the Code and model the behaviours that are expected of us.

YOUR ROLE

As a Principal you will be inspired to lead a joy-filled community where students staff and families can flourish within a Catholic context. Your leadership will enable the vision of the school to be realised creating an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. The role of the Principal is one of the most important roles across the MACS system as their faith and educational leadership enables the vision of the school to be realised. This role will work in collaboration with MACS staff members local Parish Priest and the broader School community to achieve the identified goals of the School.

ABOUT SACRED HEART GIRLS COLLEGE HUGHESDALE.

Sister Euphrasie Barbier established the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions 1861; she was known as Mother Mary of the Heart of Jesus. It is from her name and her special devotion to the Sacred Heart that the college has its name. The college was built by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in 1957 a congregation dedicated to the education of women and girls and it has continued to grow and develop into a dynamic learning environment that educates girls from Year 7 to 12.

The schools motto Always Striving Upwards encourages every student to strive towards higher personal standards - in spiritual development and a closer familiarity with God in behaviour and character development and in pursuit of higher academic standards.

MACS is seeking a Principal who will build on the schools strengths engage wholeheartedly with the community and lead with vision and faith guiding the school through its next phase of growth and development.

A strong understanding of contemporary educational practices and MACS directions is essential.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

At Sacred Heart Girls College our Catholic identity has been inspired by the strength and charity demonstrated by the Sisters who built and designed a beautiful school for girls starting with 105 students. The school has now grown to 936 students and 92 teaching staff.

The curriculum offers a future focused learning and teaching program for students with many opportunities to develop the skills dispositions and knowledge required to be successful and engaged learners. Students enjoy strong academic results and our educators provide all students with the tools they need to reach these academic goals.

Through explicit educational programs student and community initiatives and partnerships with families we nurture positive relationships and genuine opportunities for students to grow actively participate in their own and others learning and contribute to their own learning community and broader society. It is through an inquisitive heart that our students echo the footsteps of our Sisters that founded the college.

The school makes connections with arts music and cultural organisations sporting associations industry government and other schools. It is through these connections that enable us to share our faith contributing to social justice projects and embracing intergenerational engagement locally and globally. Sacred Heart Girls College recognises that students are part of a wider community and their impact matters.

Enrolment numbers are correct at the time of publication.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Evidence of strong faith leadership through being an active member in good standing of a Catholic Church community including Sunday attendance whilst being informed by the Churchs teaching and local mission.
• Demonstrated ability in instructional leadership including determining and implementing evidence-based learning and teaching program and school curriculum.
• Evidence of unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of all including all MACS employees students parish broader church educational system other schools and educational authorities in line with current community safety standards and expectations.
• Displays a strong commitment to enrolment growth financial stability and a commitment to risk mitigation whilst effectively managing resources within a regularly monitored evidence-based strategic plan.
• Demonstrated understanding and enactment of the legislative and systemic compliance requirements applicable to all Catholic schools.
• Shows attributes of justice and compassion in setting high standards for self and others in the leadership of pastoral care and the provision of an engaging education that provides multiple pathways and options for positive outcomes for young people.
• Strong coaching and leadership skills to enable team growth and development championing innovation and improvement to support continuous learning.

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.

Click APPLY to submit your application.

If you have any queries about this role they can be directed to our team by email

All applicants are required to submit a copy of:

1. Certified evidence of Victorian Institute of Teaching registration (including current criminal history check)
2. Certified evidence of academic qualifications inclusive of tertiary qualifications academic qualifications additional to initial teacher education (Masters degree or five-year equivalent) and accreditation to teach Religious Education in a Catholic School.
3. Current resume
4. Cover letter
5. Document addressing the key selection criteria limited to four to five pages.
6. The names and contact details of three referees including the Catholic Priest of the Parish you attend. These referees will be required to make relevant verbal responses regarding the applicants capacity to meet the specific local selection criteria.
7. Certified statements of service from current and previous employers are required from applicants who are currently not employed in Victorian Catholic education.

Note: MACS is committed to the safety wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check and must be willing to obtain and maintain a national criminal history check.

Candidates must hold full Australian working rights and provide evidence of this.

All successful candidates will be required to complete a Schools Fit and Proper Personal Declaration

Privacy Collection Notice Job Applicants

MACS collects your Personal information to assess your application and suitability for employment. By submitting your Personal information you consent to the use and disclosure of your Personal information for the purpose of being considered for employment at MACS. Applicants can withdraw their applications at any time during the recruitment process

For further details please see the full Privacy Collection Notice here

COMMENCEMENT DATE: Term 1 2026 or by negotiation.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4:00pm Monday 6 October 2025